Vol. 30, No. 17
August 23, 2013
The Power of Three: The USAMMDA Medical Prototype Development Laboratory BY JEFFREY SOARES
USAMRMC PUBLIC AFFAIRS
When the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity is asked to find a solution to a problem that affects the nation’s warfighters, it calls upon the talent and resources of its team at the Medical Development Prototype Laboratory located on the grounds of Fort Detrick, Md. As a subcommand of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command, USAMMDA shares in the USAMRMC’s mission to create, develop, deliver and sustain medical capabilities for the warfighter – to protect and preserve the lives of our men and women in uniform. From concept to creation, using some of the most sophisticated and technologically advanced equipment available today – from a laser engraver to 3-D printer, from a 50,000 psi water jet cutting system to woodworking and sheet metal machines – this group of experienced engineers and engineering technicians at the MPDL not only know how to get the job done, they actually get the job done – on time, every time. And surprisingly, this team consists of only three dedicated men. “USAMMDA’s MPDL has a uniquely direct and important impact on the medical materiel field,” said Mark Brown, a mechanical engineer who serves as shop supervisor. “Typically, our services are called upon when something is needed very quickly, such as an out-of-theater request. That is when our capability, experience, flexibility and support throughout the MRMC are critical.” Brown said he and his team “have the best jobs on post,” and he may be right. Together with Jay Bartlett and Mark Easterday, the lab’s two engineering technicians, this highly knowledgeable group brings nearly 115 years of combined research and development experience to the MPDL. Any way you slice it, this number is pretty impressive for a team of only three. And speaking of slicing, this is exactly what goes on many days in the shop. But when one thinks of slicing, he usually thinks in terms of inches, and feet. In their world, slicing may mean separating a piece of material into sections within a 0.003-inch tol-
erance, which is about the thickness of a strand of human hair. Yes, a strand of hair. It’s all about ultra-precise measurements, because if a cut is off even the width of that which cannot be seen with the naked eye, two pieces made to fit together will not – and this doesn’t help anyone solve any problems. “Basically, our team works together to design, develop drawing packages, and quickly prototype far-forward medical equipment in support of the USAMRMC’s mission,” said Brown. “We’re able to prototype and do small production runs of medical devices in different scales and out of various materials. We also use our capabilities to harden commercial off-the-shelf items for use in the field.” Core capabilities of the MPDL include 3-D computer-aided design and manufacturing, prototype development and fabrication, precision sheet metal forming, welding, chemical coating, cleaning and finishing, and technical data package development. And the lab uses all of these resources to achieve its full potential when called upon – all with the safety, health, and welfare of the warfighter in mind. While Brown and his team typically are tasked by the Army for their projects, recently they have been developing a very critical bracket for the U.S. Air Force. “Currently, we are working on an Air Force project that involves mounting a device to a Stokes litter basket that will prevent it from rotating uncontrollably during helicopter hoisting and rescue,” said Brown. “Under certain conditions, because of rotor backwash and the surrounding landscape, the litter basket can begin to spin wildly, endangering the lives of both the casualty and the assisting medic. This device we’ve created uses the rotor back wash and a gyroscope to maintain a steady-state condition.” This bracket is just one of many items Brown and his men have created over the past few years. Other projects they have completed include full-scale mock-ups of various military medical vehicles, field operating tables and sinks, an X-ray machine, See LABORATORY, continued on page 3
USAMMDA MPDL supervisor Mark Brown discusses the potential uses of a bracket device his team created for a Stokes litter basket that will prevent it from rotating uncontrollably during helicopter hoisting and rescue.
Photo by Jeffrey Soares, USAMRMC public affairs
The team at the USAMMDA Medical Development Prototype Laboratory is continually ready to help create, develop, and produce items needed for the nation’s warfighters. Left to right, Jay Bartlett, engineering technician; Mark Brown, mechanical engineer and shop supervisor; and Mark Easterday, engineering technician. Together, the three-man team brings nearly 115 years of combined research and development experience to the MPDL, located at Fort Detrick, Md.
What’s Inside
Social Media Find Garrison on Facebook, Twitter and Flickr! www.facebook.com/DetrickUSAG www.twitter.com/DetrickUSAG www.flickr.com/DetrickUSAG Find MRMC on Facebook, Twitter and Flickr too! www.facebook.com/USAMRMC www.twitter.com/USAMRMC www.flickr.com/people/usamrmc
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National Night Out: Explorer Shares Experiences, p. 3
Jobseekers Converge at Fort Detrick, p. 7
USAMRMC Shares Laughter at Annual Picnic, p. 10
Commentary:
Sexual Assault; Hurts One, Affects All BY COMMAND SGT. MAJ. KEVIN B. STUART “Hurts One, Affects All” is more than just a phrase, but rather it is about how one instance of sexual assault adversely affects all those around it. Sexual assaults are at an all time high and increasing by the day in the military as well as throughout the United States. Sexual assault is prevalent in our country, and yet many people have a difficult time putting it in words. Sexual assault is defined as any sexual behavior that makes a person feel uncomfortable, frightened or threatened; it is an unwanted sexual activity to which a person does not consent. Sexual assault is a crime and violates the human rights of our citizens and the Army values. The bottom line is that sexual assaults must be stopped. I have heard several sexual assault victims describe their ordeals as well as the pain they have suffered - from emotional trauma to physical pain to isolation from society. Many of these victims talked about lacking self confidence and losing trust with family, friends, and co-workers. Some victims even refused to talk about their ordeal, not wanting to relive the attack; others felt that their disclosure would be fruitless if the attack could not be proved due to a lack of evidence. Family members, friends and co-workers of sexual assault victims also experienced nervous breakdowns, stress fatigue, and headaches. The ripple effect from a sexual assault can have a devastating effect on so many people. Many family and friends of the victims do not know what to say or how to act toward
a victim of sexual assault. Additionally, some family members are afraid to speak to the victim, sensing their remarks could trigger a response that would revictimize the person by reliving the incident. However, victims of sexual assault should feel empowered to speak up and tell someone when they have been traumatized by a perpetrator. Their story can assist leadership and law enforcement officials in making an arrest as well as provide education and awareness to others. One sexual assault incident in the military can degrade the readiness of an entire squad or platoon of troops. Once a person is sexually assaulted, many others are adversely affected by the hurt and suffering of the victim. The importance of sexual assault training, education and awareness can never be overstated, but education has the potential to possibly prevent, reduce and even eliminate sexual assaults. All military members should be reminded that we are professionals and part of a profession that epitomizes standards and discipline. We thrive on doing things right even when no one is watching. We live by the code of treating all people with the utmost respect and dignity; we are committed to “walk the talk” when it comes to our respective service core values. We serve the people of the United States with honor, duty and integrity, but also pledge to serve one another as comrades in the same manner. We must continue to demonstrate this so that we can prevent, reduce and ultimately eliminate sexual assault from our military. Remember that if you or someone you know is the victim of sexual assault - there are many chan-
Thinking about riding a motorcycle? Come socialize with other riders that are part of your military community! Join Fort Detrick at Bike Night on Aug. 29 at 5 p.m. in the parking lot behind the Installation Safety Management Office (1546 Porter Str.) All riders and all bikes are welcome! Free food and drinks will be available at the event.
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The STANDARD is an authorized unofficial newspaper, published every two weeks under the provisions of AR 360-1 for the military and civilians at Fort Detrick. Circulation is 7,000. The STANDARD is a commercial enterprise newspaper printed by Comprint Military Publications, 9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, Md., 20877, a private firm, in no way connected with the United States Government or Department of Defense. The contents of the STANDARD do not necessarily reflect the official views or endorsement of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense or the U.S. Army. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts and supplements, do not constitute endorse-
nels you can use to get help: Victim Advocate, Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, Chaplain or Health Care Provider, to name a few. We can fight and win against this violent crime through training, education, and awareness - always keeping in mind that we are professionals.
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ment of DoD. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other nonmerit characteristic of the purchaser, user or patron. Editorial content is prepared and edited by the Fort Detrick Public Affairs Office, 810 Schreider Street, Fort Detrick, Md. 21702-5000. Editorial Offices are in Bldg. 810, Suite 004, telephone 301-619-2018; e-mail: usarmy.detrick.usag.mbx. pao@mail.mil.
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Fort Detrick Standard August 23, 2013
Sustaining a community of excellence through restoration, environmental stewardship and workforce development
Command Staff
Maj. Gen. Joseph Caravalho Jr. Commanding general, U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command and Fort Detrick
Col. Steven P. Middlecamp U.S. Army Garrison commander
Editorial Staff Fort Detrick PAO Staff
National Night Out: One Local USAMRMC Scientists Recognized Explorer Post Shares Experiences for Dedication and Service BY LANESSA HILL
USAG PUBLIC AFFAIRS
National Night Out is meant to bring communities together and to become familiar with law enforcement. It’s a night designed to promote involvement in crime prevention activities, police-community partnerships, neighborhood camaraderie, and to send a message to criminals – letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. This was certainly the case at the Balfour Beatty Community Center on Aug. 6 as Fort Detrick participated in the 30th annual National Night Out, despite questionable weather predictions. To commemorate NNO, Fort Detrick had interactive law enforcement and fire safety displays, games, and food prepared by the Fort Detrick firehouse. One group of particular interest to kids was the Frederick County Law Enforcement Explorer Post #1218. Senior Post Advisor Lt. Gordon Geesey said the program is careeroriented for young adults interested in law enforcement. It is open to individuals ages 14-21, and after completing one year in the program, individuals are able to learn more through direct engagement
with the Frederick County Sheriff’s Department. There is no limit to the number of participants each year. In fact, Richard Sherbert, a U.S. Army Garrison employee, also a senior post advisor, says he is hoping to continue to attract bigger groups every year, especially since The City of Frederick’s post has been dissolved, and they have extended the opportunity to youth outside Frederick County. Sherbert talked of Pvt. 1st Class Braunsma, a military police officer in Chambersburg, Pa., noting that this young man was a success story for the program and has moved on to do great things. Braunsma began the program in 8th grade and is now enlisted in the Army, and he describes himself as far from the shy guy he was back then. “This program taught me leadership. I excelled at opportunities where leadership was stressed, and that has helped me in my career in the Army,” he said. Braunsma went on to say that he believes this is a really great program. Sgt. Pantojoa, who works at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, has a son who is in his second year of See EXPLORER, continued on page 4
Members of Frederick County Law Enforcement Post #1218 staffed a table and talked to attendees at National Night Out on Aug. 6. The program is meant to provide insight for young adults interested in future careers in law enforcement.
Photo by Lanessa Hill, USAG Public Affairs
BY JEFFREY SOARES
USAMRMC PUBLIC AFFAIRS
During a ceremony held at the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command Headquarters, Fort Detrick, Md., Aug. 8, three senior research scientists from the USAMRMC were honored by Maj. Gen. Joseph Caravalho Jr., USAMRMC and Fort Detrick commander, for their dedication and service to the command. The awardees included Dr. Jaques Reifman, Dr. Connie Schmaljohn, and Dr. Leonard Smith. All three researchers have played a role in various accomplishments seen by the USAMRMC over the past three decades, and together they account for over 75 years of service to the U.S. Army and the Department of Defense. Reifman serves at the USAMRMC’s Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center, where he is also the director of DoD’s Biotechnology High Performance Computing Software Applications Institute for Force Health Protection, which he created. He is responsible for creating the capabilities in computational biology for both the Army and the DoD. Reifman has authored over 150 peer-reviewed technical publications and book chapters, and he is the inventor of six U.S. patents. As the senior scientist for Infectious Diseases at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Schmaljohn has directed several efforts to develop and test DNA vaccines for highly pathogenic viruses of military or biodefense importance, including a planned clinical study of a Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus DNA vaccine and nonhuman primate studies with filovirus and arenavirus DNA vaccines. She has authored or co-authored over 140 peer-reviewed publications during her three-decade-plus career in science and research. Smith currently serves as the Acting Scientific Director at USAMRIID, where he has worked since 1982. During his 31-year career serving the USAMRMC, he has
Maj. Gen. Joseph Caravalho Jr., commanding general of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command and Fort Detrick, honored three USAMRMC senior research scientists for their years of dedication and service to the command during a ceremony at USAMRMC headquarters Aug. 8.
Photo by Jeffrey Soares, USAMRMC public affairs
Left to right, Drs. Leonard Smith, Connie Schmaljohn and Jaques Reifman, senior research scientists for the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command, were honored for their years of dedication and service to the U.S. Army and Department of Defense during a ceremony held at Fort Detrick, Md. Aug. 8. Photo by Jeffrey Soares, USAMRMC public affairs
held positions as principal investigator, Department of Immunology and Molecular Biology Chief, and senior research scientist. Smith is an author on over 150 research publications, holds several patents, and sits on numerous edito-
LABORATORY, continued from page 1
Fort Detrick police and firefighters worked the grill and provided food to families that attended National Night out on Aug. 6 at the Balfour Beatty Community Center.
Photo by Lanessa Hill, USAG Public Affairs
shelters, entomology devices (for sand fly and mosquito-repellent testing), and a non-contact respiratory monitor. Many of these items have been patented or have U.S. patents pending. While these products may appear “complicated” to some, the intent and result is actually the opposite. With the warfighter in mind, the key principals that drive product design for the MPDL team are that the product be functional, simple to operate, compact, lightweight, easy to assemble (no tools required), and interchangeable – all packaged in a low-volume cube for shipping and distribution. This all sounds easy enough, doesn’t it? Well, it is – most of the time – for Brown, Bartlett and Easterday. But even when it isn’t, they still come through with the product – on time, every time. To sum it up in a nutshell, it’s all about impact – the impact this team has on saving lives and securing the welfare of those men and women defending our country, because these warfighters are the focus and the recipients of the MPDL’s work each and every day.
Sustaining a community of excellence through restoration, environmental stewardship and workforce development
rial boards of professional journals in the fields of vaccines, biochemistry, and biotechnology. The three honorees were given lapel pins and official flags for their commitment to the U.S. military and the nation.
“We’re very fortunate to have the support of upper management throughout USAMMDA’s divisions, because this enables us to prioritize our internal workload and get funding in place to acquire the materials, tooling and commercial parts required to complete the task at hand,” said Brown. “We have worked very hard to streamline the development process by aggressively integrating technology, cross-training personnel, and leveraging knowledge and capabilities throughout the entire USAMRMC.” And perhaps best of all, this team of three dedicated engineering professionals are able to work together, everyday, using their minds, hands, and specialized equipment to create a finished, working, and effective product that comes from one simple phrase – “our soldiers need this.” “Without a doubt, the best thing about my job is that it gives me the opportunity to work with my team to design and fabricate materiel solutions in support of those who have dedicated their lives to defending our freedoms,” said Brown. “This is my greatest professional reward and motivation.” Fort Detrick Standard August 23, 2013
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Child Development Employee Becomes FCC Basketball Coach BY LANESSA HILL
BY NICK MINECCI
USAG PUBLIC AFFAIRS
New beginnings are in the immediate future for one Fort Detrick employee. Emonte Hill, who has worked in the Child Development Center at Fort Detrick for the past three years, was recently selected as the men’s basketball head coach for Frederick Community College. For the last decade, Hill stood side-byside to Hood College coach Tom Dickman, as his assistant. During his time at Hood, he sat back, watched, listened and learned. When the opportunity arose for a head coaching position at FCC, Dickman told him, it’s time, he’s ready. This is an exciting time for Hill, who graduated from Frederick High School and played at FCC under former coach Dave Miller, before transferring to the University of South Carolina Spartanburg, now named USC Upstate. “Everything is coming full circle,” Hill said. When asked if he keeps in touch with Coach Miller, Hill said, “Yes, in fact Miller told me, it’s my time. He was just happy it was someone within the FCC family.” As with any coach, the main goal is to win a championship. But it goes deeper for Hill. He wants to take what he has learned as an assistant coach and combine this with his skills and experience to provide his players with the tools necessary to move up, get scholarships at four-year schools, and succeed in life. “One can’t get to the next level if they are not academically ready,” said Hill. “That
Fire Breaks Out at USAMRIID Lab Under Construction USAG PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Fort Detrick’s own Emonte Hill recently accepted the position of head men’s basketball coach at Frederick Community College and is looking forward to the season. will be my priority. Without the academics, you can’t play.” Hill was nervous about accepting the position since the school year will begin soon, and recruiting was pretty much done, but it was an opportunity he could not decline. As the practice season begins in October, it’s then that he will get his first real taste of his players, their abilities, and their level of commitment. Hill said that now it’s his time to put his name on a program.
A fire was reported at approximately 2 p.m., Aug. 14, at the construction site for what will be the new home to the new biosafety level-4 laboratory for the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases on Fort Detrick. The Fort Detrick fire department, in addition to units from Frederick County, responded to the two-alarm blaze, extinguishing the fire in less than 30 minutes. Smoke was cleared from the building by 1 a.m., Aug. 15. Two contractors working as a part of the construction efforts were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation and transported to Frederick Memorial Hospital for further evaluation. Both were treated and released. The Fort Detrick fire department began an investigation Aug. 14 for the cause of the fire, and to assess damage to the building. Officials from the U.S. Army Corps of EngiEXPLORER, continued from page 3
the program. His son Matthew enjoys the challenges and the hands-on experiences. He said he is learning a lot and enjoying himself. Then there was Jessica. The only female of the group and self-described tomboy, she has found close friends by joining this post. “I like hanging with the boys. I never really had friends that were girls, and in this
neers reported extensive damage occurred in the south half of the future BSL-4 laboratory. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, provides construction oversight for the project. “Safety is our number one priority at every construction site. Our goal is to learn why this happened and to review procedures to ensure that it does not occur again,” said Clem Gaines, public affairs officer for USACE, Baltimore District. “Investigators from the contractor, Manhattan-Torcon JV, and the Fort Detrick Fire Department are conducting an investigation as well as Frederick County officials and the Maryland State Fire Marshall’s office,” Gaines said. Construction for the $653 million, 835,000 square foot facility, began in June 2009, and will continue on other portions of the project according to Gaines. “We cannot estimate, at this time, if this incident will impact the estimated December 2014 completion of the project,” he said. program, it can get tough when we are put into real world situations,” she said. The post meets every other Tuesday from 7-9 p.m. at one of three locations including Fort Detrick. The first meeting is scheduled for Sept. 3 at the Public Safety Training Academy located at 5370 Public Safety Place, Frederick, Md. Please visit http://frederickcountymd.gov/index.aspx?NID=886 for more information.
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National Research Action Plan Responds to Veteran Needs for Mental Health, Brain Injury Care BY ELLEN CROWN
USAMRMC PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Experts from Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs gathered to discuss the future of mental health and traumatic brain injury research during the Military Health System Research Symposium Aug. 14, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Discussion leaders included Health Affairs Director of Medical Research Dr. Terry Rauch; Acting Chief Officer of the VA Office of Research and Development Dr. Timothy O’Leary; U.S. Army’s Combat Casualty Care Research Program Director Col. Dallas Hack; Deputy Director of the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center Katherine Helmick; and Uniformed Services University School of Medicine’s Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress Director Dr. Robert Ursano. Dialogue turned toward the National Research Action Plan, which is the result of an executive order signed a year ago by President Obama to improve access to mental health services for veterans, service members, and military families. The plan directs DOD and the VA to work with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Education to share resources and complete certain goals, such as complete within the next year the current DOD-CDC-Brain Trauma Foundation mTBI/concussion classification project to clarify what is known and unknown about mTBI and the critical gaps that need to be addressed. “The National Research Action Plan creates a common roadmap for medical leadership to follow as we move forward to work on incredibly complex issues,” said Hack, who is stationed at the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command. “The National Research Action Plan demonstrates a dedication across multiple agencies to close critical research and care
gaps, both in the military and civilian sector,” added Rauch. Since September 11, 2001, more than 2.5 million service members have deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan in Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn. The Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center data indicates there have been more than 250,000 cases of TBI in the military from 2000–2012. However, more than 80 percent of these were the result of non-combat injuries. “Clearly, we are not going to stop seeing traumatic brain injuries, even in times of no war,” said Hack. The NRAP also addresses the frequently co-occurring conditions, such as depression; substance abuse related to alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, including the misuse and abuse of prescription drugs; and chronic pain, each of which can complicate the prevention and treatment of PTSD, TBI, and suicidal behaviors. “The interrelationships between TBI, PTSD, and suicidality are complex, to say the least,” admitted Ursano. “In fact, I think it was this war that highlighted these areas in relation to each other, as an opportunity for further investigation for research and treatment.” Announced within the NRAP is also the creation of two joint research consortia, including the Consortium to Alleviate PTSD and the Chronic Effects of Neurotrauma Consortium. The two consortia will be established within the next 6 months and are within the first phase of the NRAP. CAP is a collaborative effort between the University of Texas Health Science Center – San Antonio, San Antonio Military Medical Center and the Boston VA Medical Center, with the goal of developing the most effective diagnostic, prognostic, novel treatment, and rehabilitative strategies to treat acute PTSD and prevent chronic PTSD. CENC is a collaborative effort between
U.S. Army’s Combat Casualty Care Research Program Director Col. Dallas Hack (right) and Health Affairs Director of Medical Research Dr. Terry Rauch discuss mental health and traumatic brain injury research during the Military Health System Research Symposium Aug. 14, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Photo by Melissa Miller, USAMRMC public affairs
Virginia Commonwealth University, the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, and the Richmond VA Medical Center, with the goal of examining the factors which influence the chronic effects of mTBI and common comorbidities in order to improve diagnostic and treatment options. A key point will be to further the understanding of the relationship between mTBI and neurodegenerative disease. “Mild traumatic brain injury is an area we need to continue to focus on, in terms of rapid evaluation, treatment and patient management,” said Helmick, explaining that most service members with TBI have a mild injury
or concussion. “With a mild TBI, most service members can have a full recovery.” In its first 12 months, NRAP will focus on developing a more precise system to diagnose TBI and standardizing data on TBI and PTSD. Longer term goals include confirming biomarkers for PTSD and TBI, identifying changes in brain circuitry after successful treatment, and exploring genetic risk factors. “The plan lays out the next five years, but this is really a lifelong commitment,” O’Leary said. “That is the promise we make to our warfighters.”
Military Health System Holds Research Symposium BY STEVEN GALVAN
USAISR PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Hundreds of military medical clinicians and scientists gathered to kick off the 2013 Military Health System Research Symposium at the Harbor Beach Marriott in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Aug. 12. During the opening session, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Force Health Protection and Readiness Dr. David J. Smith welcomed attendees and addressed the value of the 4-day Department of Defense conference, which brings together scientific military, academia, industry leaders and researchers from around the globe to discuss advancements in research and health care developments in the areas of combat casualty care, military operational medicine, clinical and rehabilitative medicine, and military infectious disease programs. “This really is a mission-essential symposium and it’s of critical
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Fort Detrick Standard August 23, 2013
importance because it provides a forum to address the unique medical needs of our warfighter in a collaborative environment where the (military health system) providers with deployment experience, scientists, academia and industry experts come together to exchange scientific information, drive innovation and ensure continued advancement in military medicine,” said Smith. The conference is the careful combination of three previous conferences: the former Advanced Technology Applications for Combat Casualty Care Conference; the Air Force Medical Service Medical Research Symposium; and the Navy Medicine Research Conference. By combining these into one event, the meeting serves as a critical strategy session for leaders to set future milestones for DoD’s deployment-related medical research programs, centered on the warfighter’s needs. “Our fighting men and women ask three things from us. Number
one is that we give them the best training and the best equipment in the world. Number two is that we give them the best medical treatment in the world, and number three is that we do not leave any American behind,” said Congressman John C. Fleming, M.D., from the 4th Congressional District in Louisiana and a member of the Armed Services Committee, who attended this year’s MHSRS plenary session. Research has led to many health care advancements in combat casualty care during the past decade, but military leaders emphasized that the work doesn’t end when troops return home. “As combat draws down, military medicine must continue at full pace because we have thousands of beneficiaries with complex, unique physical and mental injuries,” said Maj. Gen. Joseph Caravalho Jr., commanding general of the USAMRMC and Fort Detrick. “We must not lose momentum.”
Maj. Gen. Joseph Caravalho Jr., commanding general of the USAMRMC and Fort Detrick, discusses the future of military medicine during the opening plenary session at the Military Health System Research Symposium in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Aug. 12. Photo by USAMRMC public affairs
Sustaining a community of excellence through restoration, environmental stewardship and workforce development
Jobseekers Converge at Fort Army Family Action Plan Conference Coming Soon Detrick to Seek Opportunities BY MARSHA DUNCAN FAMILY READINESS
BY ALEXIS UNDERWOOD SPECIAL TO THE STANDARD
The Army Community Service Employment Readiness Program hosted the Fort Detrick annual career fair, held at the Community Support Center July 31. Many jobseekers arrived to meet the recruiters and vendors that are seeking potential employers. A résumé and interview workshop was also offered, along with helpful tips that stressed the importance of professionalism when pursuing a career. “To have a career plan, you need to know what you want to do,” said ERP manager Daphnie Freeman. “Once you do, your plan is already there.” The job fair participants were fairly warned by the ERP that job hunting is very competitive. “You need to have skills and be up to par with company standards,” said Jackie Thomas of the Frederick County Workforce Services. “You’ve got to sell yourself on your résumé.” The ERP also stressed the significance of searching for jobs based on qualifications and background. “You need a balance between work ex-
Fort Detrick held its annual career fair on July 31. Jobseekers were asked to bring resumes and be ready to speak to recruiters and vendors seeking to hire. More than 40 vendors were present.
Photo by Lanessa Hill, USAG Public Affairs
perience and education,” said Britney Bartlone, account representative of the Callos Companies. “It’s all about fitting into the organization. That’s what employers are looking for,” said Freeman. “And that’s what we help with at ERP. We assist the community with classes, and aid in any aspect of employment services.”
Medical Care Goes Mobile BY MELISSA MILLER
USAMRMC PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Every day for deployed troops around the world, hours, minutes, and even seconds can mean the difference between life and death on the battlefield. After over a decade of continuous conflict, hemorrhage control is holding strong as the most important life saving aspect in battlefield medicine today, with approximately 85 percent of “potentially survivable” deaths attributed to severe blood loss. Great strides continue to be made in the area of combat casualty care, and the medical system is increasingly moving its resources closer to the front lines to be more responsive to patients’ needs during those crucial moments following injury. On April 18, ZOLL Medical Corporation made the public announcement that it was entering into an agreement with Reflectance Medical, Inc., in an initiative to develop and market a ruggedized version of the Mobile CareGuide 3100. The Mobile CareGuide 3100 - a sensor that now allows medical personnel to obtain tissue measurements of oxygen and pH without a blood sample, and identify patients about to go into shock more quickly than ever before - was designed with the goal in mind of saving lives and reducing complications that can and do result from inadequate resuscitation. Since 2009, the RMI team has been working toward the development of this next generation military sensor, with the original CareGuide 1100 receiving clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in July 2012 and the second-generation CareGuide 2100 following closely behind with clearance in December 2012. The latest version of the device, the Mobile CareGuide 3100 with SmO2 and pH, received its own FDA clearance most recently on July 19. “The FDA clearance of the Mobile CareGuide 3100 with non-invasive pH measurement is a major milestone for the company,” said Babs Soller, Chief Executive Officer at RMI.
“For the first time,” continued Soller, “we can provide continuous, non-invasive, real-time assessment of patient acid-base status,” - bringing ICU level monitoring capability to patients not only in the emergency room but outside of the hospital as well. Initial development of the CareGuide concept did not come easy, and it certainly did not come without cost. Groundwork for CareGuide concepts and systems was developed by Soller herself, with help from her post-doctoral research associates and staff, while she was as a professor of Anesthesiology at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Soller then left UMass in late 2010, together with three members of her team, with the sole focus of developing the CareGuide product line. “The U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command and Combat Casualty Care Research Program funded the development of CareGuides 1100, 2100 and 3100,” noted Soller. RMI, located in Westborough, Mass., is made up of seven in-house employees, all working towards the common goal of bringing its CareGuide technology to market for both military and civilian critical care. Through strategic partnerships, RMI works with multiple outside partners who assist in CareGuide development, design and production. One such partner is Dr. Victor Convertino, a senior scientist at the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research and manager of the Tactical Combat Casualty Care Research task area, funded by the CCCRP. “For the past 8 years, our Human Physiology Laboratory investigators and I have conducted experiments in collaboration with Dr. Babs Soller using our human simulation of hemorrhage in an effort to study the response of tissue oxygen and pH during progressive hemorrhage,” said Convertino. The CCCRP, a critical research effort of the USAMRMC, works day-in and day-out toward the goal of saving the lives and reducing morbidity of troops injured in the line
It is that time of year again - time to make your concerns heard through the annual Army Family Action Plan Conference! There have been some significant changes in the AFAP process this year, and because of this, we will be doing things a little bit differently. Rather than having a week-long conference, we will be holding three “mini” conferences throughout the year. The first of these will be held on October 2-3 from 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in Building 1520. All issues to be looked at during the first quarter conference must be submitted prior to September 18, 2013. We are also looking for 8 – 10 people who would like to participate as delegates or work team members at one of the three conferences. AFAP was created in 1984 with the mission of helping Army leaders address the needs and concerns of family members. The program uses family representatives from around the world to identify issues that will improve the standard of living for Soldiers and their families. This feedback to leaders provides for policy changes that become tangible end-products for the Army Family. AFAP beneficiaries include Soldiers, retirees, Department of Army civilian employees and all of their family members. Over the past 28 years, there have been 124 legislative changes and 176 policy changes made due to the AFAP process. A few examples of programs and services impacted by the AFAP process are: • Between 1983 and 2006, 132 child care facilities had been built or renovated, at a total cost of $325 million. The Army funded 22 new child development centers in fiscal
year 2007, and 92 child development center projects are programmed during FY08-13. One new youth center was funded in FY07; 24 youth center projects are programmed during FY08-12. • Family Readiness Groups are currently funded, staffed and a unit requirement as a result of policy changes made through the AFAP process. • The Family Advocacy Program, created after an AFAP issue identified the need to assist families in crisis, provided training and support to more than 164,000 Soldiers or families in FY06. • Financial Readiness Program managers conducted 110,041 financial readiness courses and provided individual support to 49,681. • More than 50,000 spouses have found employment through the Army Spouse Employment Program. Army garrisons now provide more than 50 different support programs/ activities (on average) ranging from “Army Family Team Building” classes to Youth Services Activities, designed to ease the burden on the spouses of deployed Soldiers. • In-state tuition or GI Bill transferred to Family Members. • soldiers with a high school senior student may stay at their current post to allow child to finish high school. Due to the current economic conditions, regional and DA-level AFAP conferences will no longer be held. Issues that are prioritized at a local level will be sent directly from the Garrison to the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Installation Management. At this point, those issues prioritized at that level will be looked at by the general Officer’s Steering Committee, and if selected, sent to See CONFERENCE, continued on page 10
2013 Military Health System Research Symposium Roundtable Discussion
Advancement in acute trauma care and priorities for the future was the topic at a 2013 Military Health System Research Symposium roundtable discussion Aug. 13, with panelists including director of the U.S. Army’s Combat Casualty Care Research Program Col. Dallas Hack (right); Air Force Col. Todd Rasmussen, deputy director of the Combat Casualty Care Research Program (middle); and Navy Capt. Eric Elster, Uniformed Services University School of Medicine, Department of Surgery professor (left). Joining them via phone was Air Force Col. Jeffrey Bailey, Joint Trauma System director; and Dr. Margaret Knudson, Chief of Surgery at the San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center. Photo by USAMRMC public affairs
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of duty through the development of lifesaving strategies, new surgical techniques, biological and mechanical products, and the timely use of advanced physiology monitoring. “We have always worked closely with the CCCRP to make sure that our products meet the needs of the military in caring for casualties from the point-of-injury all the way through definitive care,” said Soller. According to the CCCRP website, approximately 20% of all combat deaths are considered “preventable” if timely, appropriate care had been available. Specifically, roughly 20% of all combat deaths considered to be “potentially survivable” occur prior to arriving at a combat support hospital, revealing this out-of-hospital, transport from point-of-injury timeframe to be the most significant opportunity for saving the lives of combat casualties. Combat medics must therefore have not only the concern of diagnosing and treating combat injuries as quickly as possible following injury, but they must also do so under not-so-conventional circumstances during transport. Together with ZOLL, Soller and her team at RMI are moving forward toward making
the jobs of combat medics a little easier. “Our development efforts kicked off earlier this year, by jointly developing the specifications for the Mobile CareGuide 4100, a modification of the 3100 designed to meet military specifications and be certified for use on military aircraft,” said Soller. The Mobile CareGuide 4100 - a modification of the 3100 specifically for integration with ZOLL’s monitor and defibrillator technologies - will have more ruggedized packaging for the optical sensor and a new disposable to attach the sensor to the patient. Additional software modifications will make it quicker and easier to get measurements started on injured patients. “This effort is being funded by ZOLL, but as always, we incorporate the needs of the military into our specification through on-going discussions with USAMRMC and the CCCRP,” added Soller. “Long term, we plan to work with our commercial partners to make Mobile CareGuide technology the standard of care for continuous assessment of trauma patient metabolic status both inside and outside the hospital,” said Soller. Initial designs for the Mobile CareGuide 4100 are finished, with the first working prototypes expected to be ready this fall.
For more news from other bases around the Washington, D.C. area,
visit www.dcmilitary.com
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USAMRMC Team Shares Laughter at Annual Picnic USAMRMC PUBLIC AFFAIRS Leadership and staff of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command Headquarters enjoyed an afternoon of food, fun and frivolity at the 2013 USAMRMC HQ Organization Day picnic. On a spectacular summer day, attendees were treated to a welcoming lunch buffet that also included fruit, ice cream, and beverages. Friendly
games and competitions included bingo, a dunk tank, and the ever-popular tug-o-war challenge, which was taken this year by the team from G1, Deputy Chief of Staff-Personnel, who had some help from G8, DCSResource Management staff members. This was G1’s first win in this event. Inflatable activity centers such as a water maze and a bouncy room were set up for the children.
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the proponent agencies for resolution. The role that delegates play in the local conferences now become even more important because issues need to be vetted and made to be as strong as possible to ensure that they are prioritized at the highest levels. If you have an issue that you would like to have submitted for the upcoming AFAP conference, go to www.myarmyonesource. com and submit your issue through the Installation Management System under the Army Family Action Plan. Issues will also be
accepted by the AFAP Program Manager in the Army Community Service offices from now until September 18, 2013. AFAP submissions are intended to identify key issues that must be addressed by Army leadership. If you have a Fort Detrick issue, the Interactive Customer Evaluation, or ICE, program was established to immediately address and follow-up on installation issues. For more information about the Fort Detrick AFAP Conference, or to submit an issue or participate in one of this year’s conferences, please call 301-619-3171.
In the photo (left), Maj. Gen. Joseph Caravalho Jr., USAMRMC and Fort Detrick commander, sits atop the dunk tank and awaits his watery fate as a youngster hurls a ball at the tank’s target. The young boy hit the mark squarely, sending Caravalho into the tank for one of his numerous “splash-downs” during the afternoon. Photo by Jeffrey Soares, USAMRMC public affairs
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